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Campanale A, Inserra A, Comai S. Therapeutic modulation of the kynurenine pathway in severe mental illness and comorbidities: A potential role for serotonergic psychedelics. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2024; 134:111058. [PMID: 38885875 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2024.111058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 05/15/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
Mounting evidence points towards a crucial role of the kynurenine pathway (KP) in the altered gut-brain axis (GBA) balance in severe mental illness (SMI, namely depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia) and cardiometabolic comorbidities. Preliminary evidence shows that serotonergic psychedelics and their analogues may hold therapeutic potential in addressing the altered KP in the dysregulated GBA in SMI and comorbidities. In fact, aside from their effects on mood, psychedelics elicit therapeutic improvement in preclinical models of obesity, metabolic syndrome, and vascular inflammation, which are highly comorbid with SMI. Here, we review the literature on the therapeutic modulation of the KP in the dysregulated GBA in SMI and comorbidities, and the potential application of psychedelics to address the altered KP in the brain and systemic dysfunction underlying SMI and comorbidities. Psychedelics might therapeutically modulate the KP in the altered GBA in SMI and comorbidities either directly, via altering the metabolic pathway by influencing the rate-limiting enzymes of the KP and affecting the levels of available tryptophan, or indirectly, by affecting the gut microbiome, gut metabolome, metabolism, and the immune system. Despite promising preliminary evidence, the mechanisms and outcomes of the KP modulation with psychedelics in SMI and systemic comorbidities remain largely unknown and require further investigation. Several concerns are discussed surrounding the potential side effects of this approach in specific cohorts of individuals with SMI and systemic comorbidities.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Antonio Inserra
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Stefano Comai
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada; Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, PD, Italy.; IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy; Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padua, Padua, Italy.
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Mohammadgholi-Beiki A, Sheibani M, Jafari-Sabet M, Motevalian M, Rahimi-Moghaddam P. Anti-inflammatory and protective effects of Aripiprazole on TNBS-Induced colitis and associated depression in rats: Role of kynurenine pathway. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 133:112158. [PMID: 38691917 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.112158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2024] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The prevalence of depression is higher in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) than in the general population. Inflammatory cytokines and the kynurenine pathway (KP) play important roles in IBD and associated depression. Aripiprazole (ARP), an atypical antipsychotic, shows various anti-inflammatory properties and may be useful in treating major depressive disorder. This study aimed to evaluate the protective effects of ARP on TNBS-induced colitis and subsequent depression in rats, highlighting the role of the KP. MATERIAL AND METHODS Fifty-six male Wistar rats were used, and all groups except for the normal and sham groups received a single dose of intra-rectal TNBS. Three different doses of ARP and dexamethasone were injected intraperitoneally for two weeks in treatment groups. On the 15th day, behavioral tests were performed to evaluate depressive-like behaviors. Colon ulcer index and histological changes were assessed. The tissue levels of inflammatory cytokines, KP markers, lipopolysaccharide (LPS), nuclear factor-kappa-B (NF-κB), and zonula occludens (ZO-1) were evaluated in the colon and hippocampus. RESULTS TNBS effectively induced intestinal damages and subsequent depressive-like symptoms in rats. TNBS treatment significantly elevated the intestinal content of inflammatory cytokines and NF-κB expression, dysregulated the KP markers balance in both colon and hippocampus tissues, and increased the serum levels of LPS. However, treatment with ARP for 14 days successfully reversed these alterations, particularly at higher doses. CONCLUSION ARP could alleviate IBD-induced colon damage and associated depressive-like behaviors mainly via suppressing inflammatory cytokines activity, serum LPS concentration, and affecting the NF-κB/kynurenine pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mohammad Sheibani
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Razi Drug Research Center, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Majid Jafari-Sabet
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Razi Drug Research Center, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Manijeh Motevalian
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Razi Drug Research Center, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Deng W, Yi P, Xiong Y, Ying J, Lin Y, Dong Y, Wei G, Wang X, Hua F. Gut Metabolites Acting on the Gut-Brain Axis: Regulating the Functional State of Microglia. Aging Dis 2024; 15:480-502. [PMID: 37548933 PMCID: PMC10917527 DOI: 10.14336/ad.2023.0727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The gut-brain axis is a communication channel that mediates a complex interplay of intestinal flora with the neural, endocrine, and immune systems, linking gut and brain functions. Gut metabolites, a group of small molecules produced or consumed by biochemical processes in the gut, are involved in central nervous system regulation via the highly interconnected gut-brain axis affecting microglia indirectly by influencing the structure of the gut-brain axis or directly affecting microglia function and activity. Accordingly, pathological changes in the central nervous system are connected with changes in intestinal metabolite levels as well as altered microglia function and activity, which may contribute to the pathological process of each neuroinflammatory condition. Here, we discuss the mechanisms by which gut metabolites, for instance, the bile acids, short-chain fatty acids, and tryptophan metabolites, regulate the structure of each component of the gut-brain axis, and explore the important roles of gut metabolites in the central nervous system from the perspective of microglia. At the same time, we highlight the roles of gut metabolites affecting microglia in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases and neurodevelopmental disorders. Understanding the relationship between microglia, gut microbiota, neuroinflammation, and neurodevelopmental disorders will help us identify new strategies for treating neuropsychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenze Deng
- Department of Anesthesiology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China.
- Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang City, Jiangxi, China.
| | - Pengcheng Yi
- Department of Anesthesiology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China.
- Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang City, Jiangxi, China.
| | - Yanhong Xiong
- Department of Anesthesiology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China.
- Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang City, Jiangxi, China.
| | - Jun Ying
- Department of Anesthesiology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China.
- Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang City, Jiangxi, China.
| | - Yue Lin
- Department of Anesthesiology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China.
- Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang City, Jiangxi, China.
| | - Yao Dong
- Department of Anesthesiology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China.
- Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang City, Jiangxi, China.
| | - Gen Wei
- Department of Anesthesiology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China.
- Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang City, Jiangxi, China.
| | - Xifeng Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China.
| | - Fuzhou Hua
- Department of Anesthesiology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China.
- Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang City, Jiangxi, China.
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Liikonen V, Gomez-Gallego C, Kolehmainen M. The effects of whole grain cereals on tryptophan metabolism and intestinal barrier function: underlying factors of health impact. Proc Nutr Soc 2024; 83:42-54. [PMID: 37843435 DOI: 10.1017/s0029665123003671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2023]
Abstract
This review aims to investigate the relationship between the health impact of whole grains mediated via the interaction with intestinal microbiota and intestinal barrier function with special interest on tryptophan metabolism, focusing on the role of the intestinal microbiota and their impact on barrier function. Consuming various types of whole grains can lead to the growth of different microbiota species, which in turn leads to the production of diverse metabolites, including those derived from tryptophan metabolism, although the impact of whole grains on intestinal microbiota composition results remains inconclusive and vary among different studies. Whole grains can exert an influence on tryptophan metabolism through interactions with the intestinal microbiota, and the presence of fibre in whole grains plays a notable role in establishing this connection. The impact of whole grains on intestinal barrier function is closely related to their effects on the composition and activity of intestinal microbiota, and SCFA and tryptophan metabolites serve as potential links connecting whole grains, intestinal microbiota and the intestinal barrier function. Tryptophan metabolites affect various aspects of the intestinal barrier, such as immune balance, mucus and microbial barrier, tight junction complexes and the differentiation and proliferation of epithelial cells. Despite the encouraging discoveries in this area of research, the evidence regarding the effects of whole grain consumption on intestine-related activity remains limited. Hence, we can conclude that we are just starting to understand the actual complexity of the intestinal factors mediating in part the health impacts of whole grain cereals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vilma Liikonen
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, Institute of Public Health and Clinical Nutrition, University of Eastern Finland, P.O.Box 1627, 70211 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Carlos Gomez-Gallego
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, Institute of Public Health and Clinical Nutrition, University of Eastern Finland, P.O.Box 1627, 70211 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Marjukka Kolehmainen
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, Institute of Public Health and Clinical Nutrition, University of Eastern Finland, P.O.Box 1627, 70211 Kuopio, Finland
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Yu F, Du Y, Li C, Zhang H, Lai W, Li S, Ye Z, Fu W, Li S, Li XG, Luo D. Association between metabolites in tryptophan-kynurenine pathway and inflammatory bowel disease: a two-sample Mendelian randomization. Sci Rep 2024; 14:201. [PMID: 38167867 PMCID: PMC10761717 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-50990-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Previous observational studies have suggested an association between tryptophan (TRP)-kynurenine (KYN) pathway and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). However, whether there is a causal relationship among them remains unclear. Therefore, a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) study was conducted to explore the potential causal effects of crucial metabolites in TRP-KYN pathway on IBD and its subtypes. Using summary data from genome-wide association studies, a two-sample MR was employed to evaluate the genetic associations between TRP and KYN as exposures and IBD as an outcome. The inverse variance weighted method was used as the primary MR analysis, with MR-Egger, weighted mode, simple mode, and weighted median methods as complementary analyses. The odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were determined for TRP-IBD (OR 0.739, 95% CI [0.697; 0.783]), TRP-UC (OR 0.875, 95% CI [0.814; 0.942]), TRP-CD (OR 0.685, 95% CI [0.613; 0.765]), KYN-IBD (OR 4.406, 95% CI [2.247; 8.641]), KYN-UC (OR 2.578, 95% CI [1.368; 4.858], and KYN-CD (OR 13.516, 95% CI [4.919; 37.134]). Collectively, the MR analysis demonstrated a significant protective association between TRP and IBD, whereas KYN was identified as a risk factor for IBD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fangqian Yu
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Yutong Du
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Cong Li
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Haiyan Zhang
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Weiming Lai
- Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering, School of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Sheng Li
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Zhenhao Ye
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Wenbin Fu
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Shumin Li
- Liuzhou Workers' Hospital, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Liuzhou, 545000, China
| | - Xiang-Guang Li
- Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering, School of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, China.
| | - Ding Luo
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510120, China.
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